Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder

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Product Specifications

4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image Stabilizer
12 Megapixel One-Inch 4K-Compatible CMOS Image Sensor
DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor
XF-AVC Codec for 4K 30p and Full HD 60p
Multiple Recording Modes and Frame Rates
CFast 4K Recording Technology
Canon Log and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma
Image Settings Compatible with Cinema EOS Cameras
Compact and Ergonomic Design

Product Description

Product description The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder features a compact, lightweight and versatile design for convenient 4K/Full HD video shooting and 12 Megapixel digital still photography. This all-in-one ergonomically convenient camcorder can satisfy a broad range of video and still production needs. The XC10 4K Camcorder is for everyone from next-generation advanced amateurs to professional 4K and HD videographers, from digital filmmakers needing a cost-effective 4K/HD “B” or “C” camera to multimedia journalists and news agencies seeking a 4K video camera. The XC10 4K Camcorder also appeals to the needs of cross media professionals in that it can also capture 12 Megapixel still images and provide 8 Megapixel stills extracted from 4K motion video. The XC10 Camcorder’s 4K imaging system is purpose-built of proprietary components, including a Genuine Canon 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with 2x Digital Teleconverter and Optical Image Stabilization. Employing a special Canon compact optical system, the lens offers a zoom ratio of 27.3-273mm for movies and 24.1-241mm for photos. The XC10 4K Camcorder also features a specially designed Canon 12 Megapixel one-inch CMOS sensor that can deliver 12 stops of exposure latitude. And the new DIGIC DV5 signal processor that provides the image-processing power and speed to deliver high image quality, performance and innovative new features like the Canon XF-AVC codec for 4K and HD recording. Operability innovations designed into the XC10 4K Camcor

From the Manufacturer

The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder features a compact, lightweight and versatile design for convenient 4K/Full HD video shooting and 12 Megapixel digital still photography. This all-in-one ergonomically convenient camcorder can satisfy a broad range of video and still production needs. The XC10 4K Camcorder is for everyone from next-generation advanced amateurs to professional 4K and HD videographers, from digital filmmakers needing a cost-effective 4K/HD “B” or “C” camera to multimedia journalists and news agencies seeking a 4K video camera. The XC10 4K Camcorder also appeals to the needs of cross media professionals in that it can also capture 12 Megapixel still images and provide 8 Megapixel stills extracted from 4K motion video.

The XC10 Camcorder’s 4K imaging system is purpose-built of proprietary components, including a Genuine Canon 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with 2x Digital Teleconverter and Optical Image Stabilization. Employing a special Canon compact optical system, the lens offers a zoom ratio of 27.3-273mm for movies and 24.1-241mm for photos. The XC10 4K Camcorder also features a specially designed Canon 12 Megapixel one-inch CMOS sensor that can deliver 12 stops of exposure latitude. And the new DIGIC DV5 signal processor that provides the image-processing power and speed to deliver high image quality, performance and innovative new features like the Canon XF-AVC codec for 4K and HD recording.

Operability innovations designed into the XC10 4K Camcorder further facilitate creative expression and the ability to capture superb 4K/HD video and high-resolution still images. These include a Vari-Angle LCD monitor with a capacitive touch-panel for simple intuitive control, a rotating hand grip to support both movie and still-image shooting, a built-in ND filter, built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, and much more. The camcorder can be hand-held, or used with a wide range of camera-support accessories, including car mounts and drones.

Offering slow- and fast-motion recording, multiple custom picture settings including Canon log and Canon Wide DR Gamma, and interval shooting for time-lapse still photography, the XC10 4K Camcorder offers a wide range of workflow option. The camcorder can record H.264 4:2:²⁄₈-bit MXF 4K (QFHD) 3840 x 2160 movies to internal CFast cards or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video to SD cards at multiple frame and bit rates (up to 305Mbps in 4K). The XC10 4K Camcorder also offers 4K 30p movie playback output via its HDMI 1.4 output.

Still-photography features include a mechanical shutter to help eliminate rolling-shutter distortion, up to 2.8 fps performance, support for multiple aspect ratios, and compatibility with such EOS accessories as Speedlite flash units, Canon GPS receivers, remote controllers, and LP-E6 series batteries and chargers.

Versatile, compact, and convenient, the XC10 4K Camcorder is a lightweight 4K/HD/still photography hybrid delivering high image quality and convenience to meet the diverse imaging needs of today’s expanding universe of budget-conscious digital content creation professionals.

4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image Stabilizer

The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder incorporates a Canon 4K video lens that leverages proprietary Canon optical technologies derived from years of experience in developing Cinema, Broadcast, and EF Series lenses. This 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens offers a focal range of 24.1-241 mm for photos and 27.3-273 mm for movies. The use of UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and Hi-UD lens elements helps compensate for chromatic aberrations and provides a compact size. An innovative retractable lens barrel structure integrating internal guide bars helps facilitate precise lens movement during zooms, and extends the lens barrel by a mere 36.2mm.

The XC10 Camcorder’s 4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom lens features separate focus and zoom rings for professional-style manual lens operation. (Auto Focus can also be engaged, and focus can be controlled via the optional Canon RC-6 wireless remote controller or web browser via the XC10 4K Camcorder’s Wi-Fi connection.) The rotation angle of the zoom ring is approximately 71°, allowing for rapid manual zooming. Clearly engraved focal length marks and the WIDE and TELE mechanical ends combine to further improve usability.

Built-in Canon Optical Image Stabilization enhances the one-person operation ease of the XC10 4K Camcorder. Three modes of Image Stabilization are offered (Dynamic, Standard, and Powered) to suit a range of shooting situations. Canon AF (Auto Focus) with Face AF tracking mode provides additional operator assistance. The XC10 4K Camcorder’s 10x zoom lens also includes a 2x digital teleconverter that can be switched on in MOVIE mode for added image magnification.

12 Megapixel One-Inch 4K-Compatible CMOS Image Sensor

The XC10 4K Camcorder features a new Canon 12.0 Megapixel 1-inch CMOS image sensor with 12 stops of dynamic range, and video and photo shooting functionality. The hybrid design makes the XC10 4K Camcorder a true crossover capable of satisfying the needs of both video and still workflows. With capture that includes both 4K and Full HD (FHD) video and still capture up to 12.0 Megapixels, the XC10 4K Camcorder is a strong contender in both market categories.

The advanced CMOS sensor uses Over-Sampling HD Processing for 1920x1080 capture, the same high-image-quality signal-processing system used by the high-end Canon EOS C500 4K Cinema camera.

The effective pixel total for the sensor’s area ratio is approximately 6.8 times larger - and its area ratio per pixel approximately 1.6 times greater - than previous Canon HD CMOS PRO sensors. The result is low noise for low-light shooting, an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, and greater flexibility for creative shallow depth-of-field focusing effects.

XF-AVC Codec for 4K 30p and Full HD 60p

Click here for larger image The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder incorporates the new Canon XF-AVC Codec to balance ease of workflow with a high standard of image quality. For 4K recording, the high-image-quality XF-AVC Intra-Frame encoding is used, which captures all the detail and resolution of the CMOS sensor on a frame-by-frame basis, enabling edits to be made at any point in a motion sequence and high-quality stills to be extracted from any 4K motion-image frame.

For HD recording, the camera’s AVC Long GOP (Group of Pictures) encoding is used to help maintain outstanding quality and efficient data rates. Both XF-AVC codecs deliver H.264 4:2:2 8-bit MXF recording for full 4K recording up to 30p and HD recording up to 1080/60p HD.

Multiple Recording Modes and Frame Rates

Click here for larger image Multiple Recording Modes, Resolutions, and Frame Rates make the XC10 Canon 4K Camcorder creatively flexible in a variety of production environments.

Superb Still Capture Capability The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder’s advanced still photo capture capability allows you to record photos with the high image quality of up to 12 effective Megapixels using a mechanical shutter for stills in three different aspect ratios.

4K Frame Grab In-camera 8.3 Megapixel still photos can be extracted from 4K video files. After creating a 4K video movie, users can extract any frame they wish and convert it into a high-quality still photo.

CFast 4K Recording Technology Recording 4K video requires professional quality media capable of keeping up with the 305 Mbps codec of Canon’s XC10 Camcorder. The camcorder features CFast recording technology to meet the 4K data requirements of Canon’s XF-AVC codec. CFast is a next generation nonproprietary recording solution supported by both Canon and a variety of third-party vendors. Its high speed and durability is a perfect match to the XC10 4K Camcorder to help provide quality, performance and confidence in recording.

The XC10 4K Camcorder also features an SD card slot, allowing Full HD video and photos to also be recorded separately on an SD card.

A SanDisk 64GB CFast 2.0 memory card and CFAST card reader are included with the XC10 camcorder.

As of June 2015, compatibility has been verified for the following CFast memory cards:

Manufacturer Label Model Numbers Capacity SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Card SDCFSP-128G-xxxA 128 GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Card SDCFSP-128G-xxxB 128 GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Card SDCFSP-064G-xxxB 64 GB Proper operation can not be guaranteed for all recording media. Long term usage may reduce a CFast card’s write speed. We recommend users regularly fully format and refresh their card using the “Full Format and Refresh Tool”.

Canon Log and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder features the Canon Log gamma setting that sets the camera to maximize dynamic range and provide a wide exposure latitude. This is the same log curve used in both the EOS C300 and EOS C500 Cinema cameras, which helps maximize compatibility when the XC10 4K Camcorder is used in conjunction with them on the same shoot. The files produced using Canon Log can be ideal for post-production color-correction, matching and grading, as they provide users with a high level of creative post-production freedom while maintaining high image quality. When using Canon Log, the XC10 4K Camcorder can provide a dynamic range up to 800% or 12-stops.

The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder also provides the Canon Wide Dynamic Range Gamma function that allows users to get many of the benefits of Canon Log Gamma while maintaining an 18% graypoint similar to Rec. 709. By using this setting, users can maintain the full dynamic range of the sensor without the need for extensive post processing.

12 Stops Dynamic Range Working in concert, the Canon 12.0 Megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor, DiG!C DV 5 processor, and XF-AVC Codecs enable the Canon XC10 4K Camcorder to capture bright, highly detailed images at up to 20,000 ISO with a high dynamic range (12 stops of exposure latitude), and low picture noise.

Image Settings Compatible with Cinema EOS Cameras The XC10 4K Camcorder shares a variety of image quality settings with other Canon Cinema EOS cameras including Canon Log, Wide DR, and EOS Std. This helps allow for video captured with the XC10 4K Camcorder to match the “look” of video captured with other Cinema EOS and EOS cameras. The XC10 4K Camcorder features a log gamma setting that sets the camera to maximize dynamic range and provide wide exposure latitude. This is the same log curve used in both the EOS C300 and EOS C500 cinema cameras, helping to maximize compatibility when multiple cameras are used on the same shoot. This is especially helpful in post-production, where corrections, color matching and grading are applied.

Workflow Versatility The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder offers a true hybrid workflow solution for creatives that need to integrate both high quality video and still acquisition into their productions. The camcorder offers the ability to capture both 4K and HD imagery at a variety of frame rates and resolutions. Individual frames from the Canon XC10’s 4K video can be extracted in camera or post and used as 8.3 Mpx still images. The XC10 4K Camcorder is also a fully functional 12Mpx still camera that is compatible with a wide variety of Canon photo accessories including Speedlite flashes, GPS Receiver, and remote controller.

DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder incorporates Canon’s new DiG!C DV5 processor. This advanced core technology component provides the image-processing power and speed that enables such features as 4K video acquisition, Image Stabilization, slow and fast motion recording and precision AF. DiG!C DV 5 is integral in providing high image quality, advanced performance and convenient operability.

Slow and Fast Motion Recording Creative expression capabilities of the Canon XC10 4K Camcorder include Slow- and Fast-Motion recording. Depending on the camcorder’s record settings video can be recorded down to the slowest speed of 1/4x real-time (in 1280 x 720 resolution/120p) to a max of 1200x in Fast Motion.

Compact and Ergonomic Design The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder is compact, ergonomic, and light weight, broadening the range of possibilities for image expression- offering innovative shooting potential in situations where a larger camera can’t be used.

Viewfinder The included viewfinder unit helps make shooting outside a breeze. This new accessory uses two reflecting mirrors to optically refract the image on the LCD monitor. It also supports low-angle shooting, and provides a user-friendly viewing environment.

Freestyle Rotating Handgrip The rotating handgrip on the XC10 4K Camcorder can be rotated to various positions and stopped at different points to allow for comfortable shooting at high angles, low angles, and even in between. The grip contributes to the camcorder’s intuitive user (UI) interface with multiple easy-to-see and easy-to-adjust controls based on the familiar UI design of Canon EOS series cameras. Handgrip controls include the record button (clearly marked in red), a multi-selector thumb-control dial with a mechanical lock and a design similar to those of still cameras for quick-operation settings and highly visible profiles, a menu button, and other smoothly recessed buttons that stay out of the way but are always there when you need them.

Integrated LCD with Touch Panel A three-inch 1.03-million-dot tilting LCD monitor provides Canon XC10 4K Camcorder with a bright, vivid-color display for shooting and playing back footage. The LCD’s innovative two-axis parallel hinge mechanism allows the display to be placed in optimal positions for shooting at a variety of angles, from low to high. This LCD also integrates a highly advanced capacitive touch-panel for easy fingertip control of all camera functions and settings. Camera information can be displayed on-screen for clear and easy visual recognition of selected menu items, and users can also swipe from one menu page to another without vertical scrolling. The user interface of the XC10 4K Camcorder borrows many of the concepts from the Canon EOS system making the camera intuitive and easy to operate for users familiar with other Canon products.

Built-In Microphone A built-in stereo microphone delivers linear PCM 48 kHz 16-bit audio recording. A separate mini-jack on the camcorder body also enables users to connect an external microphone.

Wireless Operation The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder incorporates dual built-in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band wireless networks. This functionality provides both a Browser Remote and Browser Preview. By using Browser Remote, camcorder operations can be performed remotely from a web browser on a compatible smartphone or computer. Browser Preview allows users to look at still photos recorded in the camera without the need to remove media from the camera.

Compatibility with Multiple Canon Accessories The hybrid nature of the XC10 4K Camcorder enables it to be compatible with a wide variety of Canon accessories. A “hot shoe” atop the XC10 provides communication to compatible accessories.

Speedlites The high level of compatibility of the XC10 4K Camcorder allows the flash unit settings to be selected from the camcorder. The Speedlite 320EX (pictured above), 600EX-RT, 58-EX II, 430EX II and 270EX II Speedlites can all be used with the camcorder. The Speedlite 320EX features a video light for movie shooting.

GPS Receiver The GP-E2 GPS Receiver adds GPS information to the photo and movie data. The GPS information of MXF movies can also be viewed using the XF-Utility.

Battery Pack/Chargers The XC10 4K Camcorder is compatible with the EOS LP-E6N series of batteries and the LC-E6 battery charger.

Remote Controller The RC-6 remote controller features a photo and movie mode. In photo mode, the user can initiate shooting straight away or on a 2 second delay. In movie mode, recording can be started and stopped with the press of a button.

Product Reviews

Love the XC10

The camera arrived and I have been shooting with it for several days. I find the negative reviews about the camera to be entirely misleading. This is a wonderful tool. I have been shooting broadcast video for organizations like Discovery Channel, NatGeoTV, PBS and others since the 70’s. I’ve used field cameras from the TK-76 to the GY-HM750 and from the Red to the Cion . This camera is a joy to work with. The menu system that folks keep complaining about is really quite simply laid out…actually brilliantly designed, in my opinion. I find the GoPro menus much more challenging to navigate than the XC10. The controls are all exactly where they should be. The 4K footage is beautiful. The sensor is amazing. The lens is much more than I expected. I love the touch screen focus and the built in ND filter. I have been using the camera now for three days and I am extremely pleased with the camera design and the footage it delivers. The MXF files look clean and sharp next to natively shot ProRes files. The viewfinder is clean and sharp and easy to use. The touchscreen is responsive and large enough that fat fingers can touch the right spot. If you’d rather use the joystick control…no problem.I understand this is not the perfect camera for every shooting situation. But it sure is a joy to use. Certainly there are compromises. How could there not be at this price? But none of them affect quality as far as I can tell. Canon has done a wonderful job designing and engineering this camera. Kudos to all involved.I am not a fully automatic shooter but I shot indoor and outdoor footage and a couple of interviews at fully automatic and am impressed beyond words. The audio levels, the video levels the color balance and focus are all spot-on. This camera is a remarkable step forward. At under $2K I am very, very impressed. If you have been reading reviews and have decided against this camera, please reconsider.If you are on a tight budget and need a professional camera, fully functional right out of the box…this is the one!

Don’t Believe the Complainers

This camera is getting a bad rap and I’m here to set the record straight.Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing and here’s the main thing … How fast can you set-up a shot and how well does that shot or video look?That’s the bottom line for ANY camera. With this unit you can slap in a card, turn it on, turn the focus rings and get a fabulous picture.YES, the XC10 has deep menus …so what? If I bought a professional camera without deep menus then that isn’t a professional camera, that’s called a point and shoot.People are complaining it doesn’t have XLR input … again, so what? I get amazing sound with my Rode Micro plugged into the mic jack of the XC10.I see some “first world problem” complainers with this unit and I beg you to ignore them.

badly needs a firmware update

with the latest firmware (1.0.3.0) there’s some very bad noise reduction artifacts. This same issue was just fixed on the C100 with a firmware update. I’ve been in contact with Canon’s technicians and they are currently investigating the problem and will hopefully release a similar firmware update soon. As soon as they do, I’ll change my review to 5 stars because this is an otherwise very good camera. But with this noise reduction artifact problem, the image quality really suffers.Search youtube for “Canon XC10 noise reduction ghosting” to see an example.I am a fulltime professional photographer/videographer, by the way, and have shot several weddings and commercial video projects with this camera.

Extremely underrated cinema camera

This is probably the most underrated cinecam under $3000. The nay-sayers are not considering this for what it is. No, it is not a a7s mkii, so it is not meant to more or less see in the dark. That being said, it does pretty well; I have had usable footage at ISO upwards of 3200 ISO. The zoom range is good. Is the lens interchangable? No. But this lens was meant to be able to shoot 4k natively, and it does so well. 4k is great looking. no artifacts, very crisp, and with accurate colors. The 4k is only able to record to the C-Fast cards, but that allows for broadcast-quality recording, which is not something many cameras in this price range can claim. My biggest complaint is that this does not have dual pixel autofocus, so autofocus struggles at times. White on white background, dark in dark lighting… A bit of searching occurs. But when this thing hits focus, it hits hard.

LOVE IT.

RIGHTEOUS camera. LOVE IT.

No negatives after putting it through its paces…

I teach filmmaking, and there are equipment-selection issues that are, in some ways, unique to the teaching environment.

Love this camera

Love this camera. Perfect ergonomics for run and gun video. It is NOT a C100 or 5D3 - it’s not trying to be.

Canon convergence camera is a bit clunky

A multimedia journalist’s dream: a compact video camera with a wide-to-tele zoom, image stabilization, 4K recording, dSLR-like settings, an articulating touch-screen, dual…

Image quality and ergonomics are good, but not $2000 good.

Where to start with this camera? When it was originally announced, I was extremely excited, but at its launch price of $2500, I knew it would be a hard sell.

Love the 4K camera but not sold on its dSLR form factor

I want to start this review with some background. I have been using Canon dSLRs for several years now. My current camera is Canon 6D.

The more you use it the more you’ll love it.

I’m a bit conflicted on this review. I just returned from Yosemite where I was able to use this camera under varied circumstances.

I like this camera, but its not quite a home run, would prefer to see it with a button array like the 5D family (more buttons)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - 3/11/15 - SEE BELOW -INITIAL THOUGHTSThis is a 4k camera, and that’s brilliant, but the percentage of 4k TVs currently in use would…